The selection process may include application review, initial screening, pitch sessions, and judge evaluations based on innovation, feasibility, and impact, followed by final selection of winners and runners-up.
KRITI Social Impact Challenge
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Eligibility
Individuals developing practical solutions for underserved communities
Region
India
Award
Up to ₹1,00,000 with fellowship opportunities
Deadline
Closed
About The Program
KRITI Social Impact Challenge is a flagship hackathon held during APOGEE 2026, BITS Pilani's annual technical festival. It aims to nurture startups focused on grassroots social welfare, encouraging young innovators to apply engineering and entrepreneurial thinking to solve real-world problems. Participants will develop affordable, scalable solutions for underserved communities, emphasising frugal innovation for practical deployment in rural areas and small towns. The most effective and practical solutions will be chosen for additional support through grants or fellowship opportunities, allowing teams to further develop their concepts into viable social enterprises or non-profit initiatives.
EligibilityDeadline Date: Closed
To be eligible, applicants must develop practical, technology-driven solutions for problem areas such as the following:-
- Low-cost farm automation to boost productivity and reduce manual labour
- Water conservation technologies for efficient resource management in drought-prone areas
- Water purification solutions to ensure safe drinking water in villages
- Affordable rural energy options, including small-scale solar systems and micro-grids
- Improvements in agricultural supply chains to minimise post-harvest losses
- Climate-resilient practices to help farmers adapt to environmental changes
- Waste management and sanitation systems tailored for rural communities
Note:- Participants are encouraged to explore any challenge relevant to rural and semi-urban communities, as long as the proposed solution addresses a real issue and demonstrates a clear potential for impact.
Benefits
Selected candidates will receive:
For winner: ₹1,00,000 cash prize and possible fellowship of up to ₹2,00,000 depending on further pitching, product and concept.
For 1st runner-up: ₹50,000 cash prize and possible fellowship of up to ₹2,00,000 depending on further pitching, product and concept.
For 2nd runner-up: ₹25,000 cash prize and possible fellowship of up to ₹2,00,000 depending on further pitching, product and concept.
How can you apply?
Eligible applicants can apply by following these steps:-
Step 1: Click on the 'Apply Now' button.
Step 2: Click on the 'Register' button and fill in the required details to register. (Note: If already registered, log in using Gmail/Mobile number/Email ID)
Step 3: Click ‘Register’ button and fill in the required details, then click ‘Next’.
Step 4: Verify the provided email address and mobile number.
Step 5: Proceed with the registration.
Important Dates
Registration Deadline: 21st March 2026 (11:59 PM IST)
Selection Criteria
Contact Details
Kakatiya Center for Rural Innovations, Technology, and Impact (KRITI)
Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani Campus
Source: https://unstop.com/hackathons/kriti-social-impact-challenge-apogee-26-bits-pilani-under-steel-skies-bits-1659726
Important Links
Apply online link
FAQ's
Question: Who is offering this opportunity?
Answer: Kakatiya Center for Rural Innovations, Technology, and Impact (KRITI) is offering this opportunity.
Question: What is the topic of this hackathon?
Answer: The topic is ‘Frugal Innovation for Rural North India: Design affordable, scalable solutions addressing real challenges faced by rural communities’.
Question: What is the mode of application?
Answer: The registration is online through the official website.
Disclaimer
- Source of Information: Buddy4Study app compiles details on scholarships/fellowships from government websites and private scholarship sources. Links to the official sources accompany each listing detail pages.
- Non-affiliation: The Buddy4Study app is not associated with any government entity in India or elsewhere. When featuring government scholarships, we rely on publicly accessible information from central and state government websites in India.
